WWE Retro figures are the spiritual successor to the WWF Hasbro figures of the 1990s. Small, chunky and packed with "action moves," Mattel introduced the line in 2018, creating a nostalgia fix for long-time collectors, while also creating something fun for newer figure collectors.
A menu of reviews for each series in the collection can be found at the bottom of this page. For now, let's take a closer look at what Mattel is calling the Retro 4-Pack Wave One.
Some history may be in order: At the end of 2019, the Retro figures by Mattel ceased production and many collectors were clamoring for their return. In January 2022, they were brought back via mail order on the Mattel Creations website (and to be purchased as an entire set), as opposed to earlier waves that were available via retail stores. Thus, while this is technically Series 11, it was given a different name.
The first figure in this four-pack is Rowdy Roddy Piper, his first figure in this form factor since the early 1990s. This figure of Hot Rod is from his mid-1980s look (e.g. the first WrestleMania) and comes complete with shorter hair than his Hasbro, blue trunks, red "RP" boots and a removeable kilt. I would have to say this figure is way better than its Hasbro predecessor, even though it has the difficult-to-pose-on-a-shelf "kicking" action feature.
Next up is former spokesperson for this site, Mean Gene Okerlund, and he's the perfect addition to anyone's Retro/Hasbro collection. Not only is it a fantastic rendering of the legendary announcer, but he comes with a removeable microphone and as a bonus, you can have Mean Gene whack someone over the head with it, if you feel so inclined.
Mr. T is straight out of WrestleMania 1 with his long red trunks and "Airplane Spin" action move. This is also a great rendering of the A-Team celebrity, and you can see Mattel is making the very most of out their Mr. T license these days.
Last (and maybe least?) is Cowboy Bob Orton. Don't get me wrong, it's a decent figure -- plus if you're re-creating the WrestleMania 1 main event with Retros and Hasbros, all you need now is a Paul Orndorff -- but compared to these other gems, the father of Randy Orton is the least stunning in the set.
Super-excited that Retro figures are back, and this WrestleMania 1-themed set was a perfect return to the series!